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‘That dayyou were reading to me from a book Even then you had the reater pleasure than to hear you read But Greybourne walked in and tried to take the book from you You were always stubborn, my boy, and unfortunately you held on Before I could even think he threw you against the wall By the time Dr Parracombe came and treated you and sedated him I had made a pact with myself I would protectyou fro no one but I and the doctor knew the truth By luck Poppy was still in London and I asked if he would take you for a spell’ She sain, but as no one broke the silence she continued ‘As time passed I realised you would be infinitely happier with them than at Greybourne I could hardly expect the Duke to condone sending his heir to Egypt, but I ensured you spent overness in their oing Naturally we could allow no taint ofto the Greybourne naid religious beliefs served as a fine excuse for his spells Now he is dead we need no longer be concerned with discovery Doctor Parracombe is completely trustworthy’

‘Trustworthy Mother, why did you never say a word of this? We have not been children for a while We deserved to know’

‘I thought it the best course of action’ She turned to Rafe ‘Greybourne is your cross to bear now, Rafe I do hope you find someone to share it ill make it a happier place’

Her gaze ers reached out and hovered within reach of his scarred jaw

‘I hopeno more of this for a while?’

He shook his head, looking as bee

‘Good,’ the Duchess said ‘I have promised to visit with some friends while I am in town and then I must prepare for my departure to Lancashire now I have seen all is well Do ring for ht round’

Sa she held face down on the table

‘Has she gone?’

He nodded He atching her as warily as he had watched his mother

‘And Rafe?’

‘Sleeping He is still weaker than he wishes to believe’